This Rum Cake recipe, shared by Edna Hielt, is a classic celebration dessert combining golden cake mix, pudding, and dark rum for a rich, moist crumb. It’s baked in a Bundt pan and finished with a buttery hot rum glaze that soaks into the cake, adding flavor and sheen. Often served with whipped cream or strawberries, this cake has been a favorite for holidays and gatherings due to its luxurious texture and adult flair from the rum.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 15¼ oz yellow cake mix (1 box)
- 3¾ oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- ½ cup light rum
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup water
- 4 large eggs
- chopped nuts (for bottom of pan – optional)
Hot Rum Glaze:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 stick Oleo (or margarine)
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup light rum
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
- Grease a Bundt pan well. Sprinkle chopped nuts in the bottom of the pan if using. Preheat oven to 325°F.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix and pudding mix. Add rum, oil, water, and eggs.
- Beat on low speed until moistened, then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake at 325°F for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, Oleo, water, and rum.
- Boil over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 5: Glaze the Cake
- While cake is still hot and in the pan, pour glaze slowly over top. Let sit for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Turn out onto a serving plate. Optional: Serve with whipped cream or strawberries.
Tips
- Toast the nuts lightly before adding for deeper flavor
- Use dark rum for a richer, more pronounced taste
- Let the cake absorb the glaze while still hot for maximum moisture
- Serve plain, or top with whipped cream and strawberries (as noted on card)
- This cake improves in flavor after resting overnight
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Brush extra glaze over slices just before serving for added moisture
- Can be made a day ahead for entertaining
- Avoid overmixing once wet ingredients are added
Nutrition
Calories: 441kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 3gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 429mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 416IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 1mg
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